Development Studies has come a long way since it 50 years ago emerged in Finland. Born from a student movement supporting Third World decolonisation processes Development Studies has become a fully-fledged multidisciplinary academic institution addressing global challenges. The scope of our work has expanded and emphases of research have varied but much of the early impetus has retained. Development Studies still recognizes itself as a multidisciplinary endeavor strongly committed to examining pressing global challenges and deep inequalities reigning in our contemporary world. Through research and activism, we are probing just and sustainable alternatives to counteract them.

Development Studies at the University of Helsinki will organize a public event at Think Corner (Tiedekulma) to commemorate its past 50 years and on the strength of it to seek perspectives on its future coming 50 years. The event will consist of one panel, short speeches and a public discussion based on them. The panel will critically assess the experiences of the past 50 years. How did Development Studies grow from activity of committed students with support from a handful of sympathetic teachers to an established academic discipline? What has been its academic achievements and what do we know about its social impact? After that, a set of short speeches will map the current and future parameters of Development Studies. It asks where Development Studies is now and ponders upon possible scenarios for the next 50 years.

Timetable:

13:00-13:05 Welcome and introduction: Eija Ranta, University Lecturer

13:05-13:15 Opening comments: Jari Niemelä, Rector of the University of Helsinki

13:15-14:15 History panel

Participants:
Marja-Liisa Swantz, Professor, first Director of the Institute of Development Studies
Märta Salokoski, Researcher
Juhani Koponen, Emeritus Professor
Mariko Sato, Managing Director of the Physicians for Social Responsibility – Finland
Marikki Stocchetti, Secretary General of the Development Policy Committee